A Marigold Catrina and Live Son Jarocho Fill NYBG Saturday

This is the garden's first Día de los Muertos, running from October 3 through November 2. A path of marigolds winds past artfully arranged calaveras and ends at a larger-than-life Catrina dressed head to toe in flowers. The heart of it is the community ofrenda, where visitors leave a photograph or a few written lines for someone they miss. Food and candles stay home, and anything placed on the altar becomes part of the installation, framed by golden October trees and pumpkins.

Saturday, October 24 is one of the music days. Son Pecadores, a group of NYC jaraneros, plays son jarocho by the entrance to the Everett Children's Adventure Garden at 11 AM, noon and 1 PM. From 11 AM to 3 PM, Bronx artist Blanka Amezkua runs a table where you fold papel picado and shape silk flowers to pin on and take home. Kids can pot a marigold nearby, and the ofrenda is a short walk away for anyone who brought a photo.

Plan on the weekend All-Garden Pass, 39 dollars for adults and 35 for seniors and students. NYC residents with proof of residency can buy the cheaper Grounds Access Pass on site, which covers the outdoor gardens. The garden closes at 6 PM, and Arthur Avenue is about a mile south. Enzo's serves until 10 PM on Saturdays, plenty of time for a plate of red-sauce pasta. Dominick's sits a few doors up, and Prince Coffee House does espresso and tiramisu for the walk back.